Proactive Investors - Turkish Airlines (IS:THYAO) has confirmed more of its jets will have to be grounded due to an issue with some Pratt & Whitney-built engines.
Up to 12 aircraft may have to be grounded before the end of the year, the Turkish carrier said on Monday, after nine of its P&W-powered Airbus A320 and A321neos faced the same fate last month.
“Due to the uncertainties in the process, there is a possibility that this number will be revised upwards,” the airline added.
P&W parent RTX flagged the issue with its geared turbofan engines in July, confirming at the time that suspected contaminants in some parts meant the power units needed inspecting.
As a result, around 350 Airbus Group (EPA:AIR) jets will likely be grounded annually over the coming three years to be inspected for the microscopic issues.
Turkish Airlines operates 58 P&W-powered A320 and A321neos - the models most affected by the issue - in its 428-strong fleet.
“Our negotiations with the manufacturer on this issue continue,” the group added.
“Since there are still unclear issues regarding the affected engines and maintenance plans, it seems possible that there will be changes in the quantities [...] in the coming period.”